Modular protective system for joints, method, and kit

ABSTRACT

A modular protective system for protecting a joint of a human or an animal is provided. The modular protective system can include modular pads for attachment to a garment fitted to surround the joint. The modular pads can include an elongated upper pad for positioning above the joint, an elongated lower pad for positioning below the joint, separated from the elongated upper pad, and a flexible and stretchable intermediate pad. The elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad each include an undersurface for attachment to the garment. The flexible and stretchable intermediate pad can include a top cap portion, for positioning on top of the joint, and two side portions.

BACKGROUND

Many padding applications for flexible joint protection are designed such that a pad is slit or two pads are joined together to form two attached segments that sit on or adjacent to a joint. Alternatively, a pad may be comprised of a single piece that covers the entire area of protection and relies on material flexibility for conformance. These designs lead to decreased flexibility and/or a compromise on protection coverage. Other designs may include a molded pad that is shaped to a specific position in order to optimize protection and/or coverage in a specific orientation but compromises flexibility in flexion and/or extension.

Improved joint protection that reduces or eliminates such problems is therefore desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A modular protective system for protecting a joint of a human or an animal can include modular pads for attachment to a garment fitted to surround the joint. The modular pads can include an elongated upper pad for positioning above the joint, an elongated lower pad for positioning below the joint, separated from the elongated upper pad, and a flexible and stretchable intermediate pad. The elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad each include an undersurface for attachment to the garment. The flexible and stretchable intermediate pad can include a top cap portion, for positioning on top of the joint, and two side portions. The flexible stretchable intermediate pad can overlap the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad and cover both a lower portion of a front surface of the elongated upper pad and an upper portion of a front surface of the elongated lower pad. Each side portion is configured to be positioned at opposite sides of the joint and includes an undersurface for attachment to the garment. When the joint is bent, the top cap portion flexes and stretches around a radius of joint movement while overlapping the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad, allowing the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad to move away from the joint as the top cap portion flexes and stretches.

A garment can include the above-described modular protective system.

A method for protecting a joint of a human or an animal can include covering the joint with the above-described modular protective system or the above-described garment.

A kit for providing a modular protective system for a joint of a human or an animal can include modular pads for attachment to a garment fitted to surround the joint. The modular pads include a plurality of elongated upper pads for positioning above the joint, a plurality of elongated lower pads for positioning below the joint, separated from one of the elongated upper pads, and a plurality of flexible and stretchable intermediate pads. The elongated upper pads and the elongated lower pads each include an undersurface for attachment to the garment. The flexible and stretchable intermediate pads each include a top cap portion for positioning on top of the joint and two side portions. The flexible and stretchable intermediate pads can overlap one of the elongated upper pads and one of the elongated lower pads and cover both a lower portion of a front surface of said elongated upper pad and an upper portion of a front surface of said elongated lower pad. Each side portion is configured to be positioned at opposite sides of the joint and includes an undersurface for attachment to the garment. When the joint is bent, the top cap portion flexes and stretches around a radius of joint movement while overlapping said elongated upper pad and said elongated lower pad, allowing said elongated upper pad and said elongated lower pad to move away from the joint as the top cap portion flexes and stretches.

The above-described and other features are exemplified by the following figures and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are exemplary embodiments wherein the like elements are numbered alike.

FIG. 1 is a representation of one embodiment of an elongated upper pad.

FIG. 2 is a representation of one embodiment of an elongated lower pad.

FIG. 3 is a representation of one embodiment of a flexible and stretchable intermediate pad.

FIG. 4 is an assembly of the representations of FIGS. 1-3 as a modular protective system.

FIG. 5 is a representation of the assembly of FIG. 4 as an elbow guard.

The above described and other features are exemplified by the following detailed description and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are modular protective systems, garments, kits, and methods for protecting a joint of a human or an animal. It was surprisingly found that modular protective systems can be provided that allow an elongated upper pad and an elongated lower pad to function independently, providing protection to a joint along an axis of coverage while not impeding joint flexibility. By using a flexible and stretchable intermediate pad to provide independent, overlapping coverage over the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad, the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad can slide independently while the joint is covered by the flexible stretchable intermediate pad over a large range of motion with minimal impact on total flexibility.

To facilitate such flexibility of the joint over a large range of motion, the flexible and stretchable intermediate pad flexes and stretches around a radius of the bending joint to maintain the bend. To provide protective coverage over the joint, the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad can be anchored above and below the joint. By leaving a gap for the joint and allowing the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad to separate as the joint is bent, the joint will flex more freely. The flexible and stretchable intermediate pad can be anchored such that it overlaps approximately half of each of the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad. This overlap of the flexible and stretchable intermediate pad can maintain coverage of the joint as the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad separate when the joint is bent.

The side portions anchor the flexible and stretchable intermediate pad to a garment while minimizing interference by keeping the flexible and stretchable intermediate pad in contact with the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad as those two pads slide.

As used herein, “flexible” refers to a low resistance to flex or a low flexural modulus such that a material or article is sufficiently flexible to permit its intended use. For example, for protective sports equipment, a “flexible” intermediate pad allows ready flexure of the joint by the user. The flexural modulus can be measured by any known method such as ASTM D790. In some embodiments, the flexural modulus can be greater than 0 to less than 0.5 GigaPascals, or preferably greater than 0 to less than 0.4 GigaPascals, or more preferably greater than 0 to less than 0.3 GigaPascals. As used herein, “stretchable” refers to the tensile elongation of a material or article being sufficiently stretchable to permit its intended use. For example, for protective sports equipment, a “stretchable” intermediate pad allows fitting to a variety of body sizes, and ready flexure of the joint by the user. The stretchability can be measured by any known method such as such as ASTM D790. In some embodiments, the tensile elongation of a material can be 10% to 200%, or preferably 20% to 190%, or more preferably 30% to 180%.

Any flexible and stretchable polymeric material can be used as the top cap portion, but in some embodiments, the flexible and stretchable polymeric material can be a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoset rubber. Polyurethane foam can be specifically mentioned.

The elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad can be any material selected to provide protection to the joint and adapted to attach to a garment. Each of the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad can be flexible or rigid. The elongated upper pad, the elongated lower pad, or both can be a rigid material. Alternatively, the elongated upper pad, the elongated lower pad, or both can be a flexible material. The elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad can comprise the same material or different materials.

As used herein, “rigid” refers to the flexural modulus of a material or article being equal to or greater than 0.5 GigaPascals. The flexural modulus can be measured by any known method such as ASTM D790.

Any design of the side portions that can attach to a garment and allow the top cap portion to flex and stretch around a radius of joint movement is suitable. For instance, the side portions can each include a notch forming a space between two articulable elements of the side portion, wherein the space diminishes as the joint is bent. In an embodiment, the notch in each side portion can form an angle converging towards the top cap portion, so that when the joint is bent the angle of the notch decreases. In another embodiment, the notch in each side portion can form a curve with a vertex towards the top cap portion, so that when the joint is bent the curve decreases in width.

The modular protective system can be scaled for a multitude of protection applications. For instance, the modular protective system can be designed for a joint of a human, preferably a knee, an elbow, a shoulder, a hand, a finger, a back, a hip, a neck, or a wrist.

Alternatively, the modular protective system can be designed for a joint of an animal, for example a large animal joint or a small animal joint. Preferably, the animal joint can be a knee.

The size and the shape of the modular pads can be scaled based on the application, but the modular protective system's multi-part construction can provide coverage with enhanced flexibility for many joint sizes and shapes. For example, the elongated upper pad and/or the elongated lower pad can be comprised of more than one segment to fit larger and/or more complex joint structures. Thus, improved coverage of complex flexural joints can be achieved while providing a greater range of flexibility. For instance, by covering the joint with a modular protective system a first flexibility of the joint about the radius of joint movement is greater as compared to a second flexibility of the joint about the radius of joint movement when the joint is covered with a protective covering comprising attached parts, exclusively rigid parts, or both.

Attachment of the elongated upper pad, the elongated lower pad, the flexible and stretchable intermediate pad, or any combination of at least one of the foregoing to the garment can be temporary. For instance, attachment to the garment can be by use of hook-and-loop fasteners, removable adhesive, elastic bands, or stitching.

Any garment covering the joint to be protected can include the modular protective system. Suitable garments include garments fitted for a human, which can be a glove, a knee guard, an elbow guard, a back pad, an ankle protector, a shoulder pad, or an athletic sleeve. In an embodiment, the garment can be fitted for an animal and can be a knee guard. The animal can be a large animal or a small animal. The garment can include a tubular part or a rectangular part fitted to surround the joint.

In another aspect, a kit for providing a modular protective system for a joint of a human or an animal is provided. The kit includes modular pads for attachment to a garment fitted to surround the joint. The modular pads include a plurality of elongated upper pads for positioning above the joint, a plurality of elongated lower pads for positioning below the joint, separated from one of the elongated upper pads, and a plurality of flexible and stretchable intermediate pads. The elongated upper pads, the elongated lower pads, and the flexible and stretchable intermediate pads can be any of the elongated upper pads, the elongated lower pads, and the flexible and stretchable intermediate pads described herein. One of each of the elongated upper pads, the elongated lower pads, and the flexible and stretchable intermediate pads can be provided as the modular protective system for the joint to be protected.

The kit can be used to provide a modular protective system for the joint of a human, preferably a knee, an elbow, a shoulder, a hand, a finger, a back, a hip, a neck, or a wrist. In an embodiment, the kit can be used to provide a modular protective system for the joint of an animal, preferably a knee.

A more complete understanding of the components, processes, and apparatuses disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures (also referred to herein as “Fig.”) are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, elongated upper pad 12 can be rectangular shaped. As illustrated in FIG. 2, elongated lower pad 14 can be rectangular shaped. It should be understood that alternative embodiments of the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad each can have different shapes, such as a square shape, a circular shape, an angled shape, a curved shape, a domed shape, or any other shape suitable to provide protection to the joint and adapted to attach to a garment.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, flexible and stretchable intermediate pad 16 includes top cap portion 18 and two side portions 20 a and 20 b. Top cap portion 18 can be a flexible and stretchable polymeric material. Though top cap portion 18 as illustrated is rectangular shaped, it should be understood that alternative embodiments of the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad each can have different shapes, such as a square shape, a circular shape, an angled shape, a curved shape, a domed shape, or any other shape suitable to provide protection to the joint, and that flexes and stretches around a radius of joint movement while overlapping the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad.

Side portions 20 a and 20 b can each include a notch forming a space between two articulable elements 22 a, 22 a′ and 22 b, 22 b′ of side portion 20 a and 20 b, respectively. The space between articulable elements 22 a and 22 a′ and articulable elements 22 b and 22 b′ diminishes as a joint is bent. The notch in each side portion 20 a and 20 b forms an angle converging towards top cap portion 18, so that when the joint is bent the angle of the notch decreases.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, elongated upper pad 12, elongated lower pad 14, and flexible and stretchable intermediate pad 16 can be assembled to form modular protective system 30. As illustrated in FIG. 5, modular protective system 30 can be used as an elbow guard. Elongated upper pad 12 is positioned above joint 40. The undersurface of elongated upper pad 12 is attached to garment 50. Elongated lower pad 14 is positioned below joint 40, separated from elongated upper pad 12. The undersurface of elongated lower pad 14 is attached to garment 50. Flexible and stretchable intermediate pad 16 is positioned on top of joint 40, overlapping elongated upper pad 12 and elongated lower pad 14 and covering both a lower portion of a front surface of elongated upper pad 12 and an upper portion of a front surface of the elongated lower pad 14. Articulable elements 22 a and 22 a′ and articulable elements 22 b and 22 b′ (not seen in the view of FIG. 5) include an undersurface for attachment to garment 50. When joint 40 is bent, top cap portion 18 flexes and stretches around a radius of joint movement while overlapping elongated upper pad 12 and elongated lower pad 14, allowing elongated upper pad 12 and elongated lower pad 14 to move away from joint 40 as top cap portion 18 flexes and stretches. As joint 40 is bent, space between articulable elements 22 a and 22 a′ and articulable elements 22 b and 22 b′ (not seen in the view of FIG. 5) diminishes.

This disclosure further encompasses the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1

A modular protective system for a joint of a human or an animal comprising modular pads for attachment to a garment fitted to surround the joint, the modular pads comprising:

an elongated upper pad, for positioning above the joint, comprising an undersurface for attachment to the garment;

an elongated lower pad, for positioning below the joint, separated from the elongated upper pad and comprising an undersurface for attachment to the garment; and

a flexible and stretchable intermediate pad comprising

-   -   a top cap portion, for positioning on top of the joint,         overlapping the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad         and covering both a lower portion of a front surface of the         elongated upper pad and an upper portion of a front surface of         the elongated lower pad; and     -   two side portions, each side portion configured to be positioned         at opposite sides of the joint and comprising an undersurface         for attachment to the garment,

wherein when the joint is bent, the top cap portion flexes and stretches around a radius of joint movement while overlapping the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad, allowing the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad to move away from the joint as the top cap portion flexes and stretches.

Embodiment 2

The modular protective system of embodiment 1, wherein the top cap portion comprises a flexible and stretchable polymeric material.

Embodiment 3

The modular protective system of embodiment 2, wherein the flexible and stretchable polymeric material is a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoset rubber, preferably polyurethane foam.

Embodiment 4

The modular protective system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the elongated upper pad, the elongated lower pad, or both comprise a rigid material.

Embodiment 5

The modular protective system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the elongated upper pad, the elongated lower pad, or both comprise a flexible material.

Embodiment 6

The modular protective system of any one or more of the embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the side portions each comprise a notch forming a space between two articulable elements of the side portion, wherein the space diminishes as the joint is bent.

Embodiment 7

The modular protective system of embodiment 6, wherein the notch in each side portion forms an angle converging towards the top cap portion, so that when the joint is bent the angle of the notch decreases.

Embodiment 8

The modular protective system of embodiment 6, wherein the notch in each side portion forms a curve with a vertex towards the top cap portion, so that when the joint is bent the curve decreases in width.

Embodiment 9

The modular protective system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the system is designed for a joint of a human, preferably a knee, an elbow, a shoulder, a hand, a finger, a back, a hip, a neck, and a wrist.

Embodiment 10

The modular protective system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the system is designed for a joint of an animal, preferably a knee.

Embodiment 11

The modular protective system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the attachment of the elongated upper pad, the elongated lower pad, the flexible and stretchable intermediate pad, or any combination of at least one of the foregoing to the garment is temporary.

Embodiment 12

A garment comprising the modular protective system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 11.

Embodiment 13

The garment of embodiment 12, wherein the garment is fitted for a human and comprises a glove, a knee guard, an elbow guard, a back pad, an ankle protector, a shoulder pad, or an athletic sleeve.

Embodiment 14

The garment of embodiment 12, wherein the garment is fitted for an animal and comprises a knee guard.

Embodiment 15

The garment of any one or more of embodiments 12 to 14, wherein the garment comprises a tubular part or a rectangular part fitted to surround the joint.

Embodiment 16

A method for protecting a joint of a human or an animal, the method comprising:

covering the joint with the modular protective system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 11 or the garment of any one or more of embodiments 12 to 15.

Embodiment 17

The method of embodiment 16, wherein a first flexibility of the joint about the radius of joint movement is greater as compared to a second flexibility of the joint about the radius of joint movement when the joint is covered with a protective covering comprising attached parts, exclusively rigid parts, or both.

Embodiment 18

A kit for providing a modular protective system for a joint of a human or an animal comprising modular pads for attachment to a garment fitted to surround the joint, the modular pads comprising,

a plurality of elongated upper pads, for positioning above the joint, each comprising an undersurface for attachment to the garment;

a plurality of elongated lower pads, for positioning below the joint, separated from one of the elongated upper pads and each comprising an undersurface for attachment to the garment; and

a plurality of flexible and stretchable intermediate pads each comprising

-   -   a top cap portion, for positioning on top of the joint,         overlapping one of the elongated upper pads and one of the         elongated lower pads and covering both a lower portion of a         front surface of said elongated upper pad and an upper portion         of a front surface of said elongated lower pad; and     -   two side portions, each side portion configured to be positioned         at opposite sides of the joint, comprising an undersurface for         attachment to the garment,

wherein when the joint is bent, the top cap portion flexes and stretches around a radius of joint movement while overlapping said elongated upper pad and said elongated lower pad, allowing said elongated upper pad and said elongated lower pad to move away from the joint as the top cap portion flexes and stretches.

Embodiment 19

The kit of embodiment 18, wherein the system is designed for the joint of a human, preferably a knee, an elbow, a shoulder, a hand, a finger, a back, a hip, a neck, or a wrist.

Embodiment 20

The kit of embodiment 18, wherein the system is designed for a joint of an animal, preferably a knee.

The compositions, methods, and articles can alternatively comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, any appropriate materials, steps, or components herein disclosed. The compositions, methods, and articles can additionally, or alternatively, be formulated so as to be devoid, or substantially free, of any materials (or species), steps, or components, that are otherwise not necessary to the achievement of the function or objectives of the compositions, methods, and articles.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other (e.g., ranges of “up to 25 wt. %, or, more specifically, 5 wt. % to 20 wt. %”, is inclusive of the endpoints and all intermediate values of the ranges of “5 wt. % to 25 wt. %,” etc.). “Combinations” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “a” and “an” and “the” do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. “Or” means “and/or” unless clearly stated otherwise. Reference throughout the specification to “some embodiments,” “an embodiment,” and so forth, means that a particular element described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments.

Unless specified to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most recent standard in effect as of the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this application belongs. All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term in the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, the term from the present application takes precedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated reference.

While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents. 

1. A modular protective system for a joint of a human or an animal comprising modular pads fitted to surround the joint, the modular pads comprising: an elongated upper pad, for positioning above the joint, comprising an undersurface; an elongated lower pad, for positioning below the joint, separated from the elongated upper pad leaving a gap for the joint and comprising an undersurface, wherein the elongated upper pad and the elongated low pad are independently slidable; and a flexible and stretchable intermediate pad comprising, a top cap portion, for positioning on top of the joint, overlapping approximately half of each of the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad and covering both a lower portion of a front surface of the elongated upper pad and an upper portion of a front surface of the elongated lower pad; and two side portions, each side portion configured to be positioned at opposite sides of the joint and comprising an undersurface, the side portions keeping the flexible and stretchable intermediate pad in contact with the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad.
 2. The modular protective system of claim 1, wherein the top cap portion comprises a flexible and stretchable polymeric material.
 3. The modular protective system of claim 2, wherein the flexible and stretchable polymeric material is a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoset rubber, preferably polyurethane foam.
 4. The modular protective system of claim 1, wherein: the elongated upper pad, the elongated lower pad, or both comprise a rigid material; or the elongated upper pad, the elongated lower pad, or both comprise a flexible material.
 5. The modular protective system of claim 1, wherein the side portions each comprise a notch forming a space between two articulable elements of the side portion, wherein the space diminishes as the joint is bent.
 6. The modular protective system of claim 5, wherein: the notch in each side portion forms an angle converging towards the top cap portion, so that when the joint is bent the angle of the notch decreases; or the notch in each side portion forms a curve with a vertex towards the top cap portion, so that when the joint is bent the curve decreases in width.
 7. The modular protective system of claim 1, wherein the system is designed for a joint of a human, preferably a knee, an elbow, a shoulder, a hand, a finger, a back, a hip, a neck, or a wrist.
 8. The modular protective system of claim 1, wherein the system is designed for a joint of an animal, preferably a knee.
 9. The modular protective system of claim 1, wherein the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad are independently slidable while covered by the flexible and stretchable intermediate pad.
 10. The modular protective system of claim 1, wherein the elongated upper pad and the elongated lower pad are independently slidable while in contact with the flexible and stretchable intermediate pad.
 11. A garment comprising the modular protective system of claim
 1. 12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the garment is fitted for a human and comprises a glove, a knee guard, an elbow guard, a back pad, an ankle protector, a shoulder pad, or an athletic sleeve.
 13. The garment of claim 11, wherein the garment is fitted for an animal and comprises a knee guard.
 14. The garment of claim 11, wherein the garment comprises a tubular part or a rectangular part fitted to surround the joint.
 15. A method for protecting a joint of a human or an animal, the method comprising: covering the joint with the modular protective system of claim
 1. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein a first flexibility of the joint about the radius of joint movement is greater as compared to a second flexibility of the joint about the radius of joint movement when the joint is covered with a protective covering comprising attached parts, exclusively rigid parts, or both.
 17. A kit for providing the modular protective system of claim 1, the kit comprising: a plurality of elongated upper pads; a plurality of elongated lower pads; and a plurality of flexible and stretchable intermediate pads.
 18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the system is designed for the joint of a human, preferably a knee, an elbow, a shoulder, a hand, a finger, a back, a hip, a neck, and a wrist.
 19. The kit of claim 17, wherein the system is designed for a joint of an animal, preferably a knee.
 20. A method for protecting a joint of a human or an animal, the method comprising: covering the joint with the garment of claim
 11. 